English-Speaking Doctors in Denmark — How to Find GPs & Specialists

English-Speaking Doctors in Denmark

Updated By exploringdenmark

Most doctors in Copenhagen speak English well. Outside the capital, it’s less guaranteed. This guide shows you how to find English-speaking GPs, specialists, and therapists — and what to do when language is a barrier.

SEARCHMETHODS sundhed.dk listings Google reviews Expat Facebook groups Call the clinic directly ENGLISH AVAILABLE✓ Most CPH GPs✓ Hospital doctors✓ 1813 helpline✓ Most specialists Copenhagen: easy · Outside CPH: research first

Overview

Denmark’s medical profession has high English proficiency — most doctors trained at Danish universities have strong English skills. In Copenhagen and university cities (Aarhus, Odense), finding an English-speaking doctor is straightforward. In smaller towns and rural areas, it may take more effort. The key is knowing where to look.

Finding an English-speaking GP

Your assigned GP may or may not speak English. If they don’t (or don’t speak it well enough for medical consultations), you can change your GP through sundhed.dk. Here’s how to find one who does:

  • Google the clinic name + “English”: Check Google reviews — other expats often mention language in their reviews.
  • Call the clinic: The most direct method. Ask: “Do any of your doctors speak English?” Receptionists usually know.
  • Expat Facebook groups: Groups like “Internationals in Copenhagen”, “Expats in Denmark”, and “Americans in Denmark” regularly share GP recommendations. Search the group history before posting.
  • Your employer or relocation service: Many companies maintain lists of English-friendly GPs for their international employees.
  • sundhed.dk: The official health portal shows all GPs in your area. No language filter exists, but clinic websites sometimes mention language capabilities.

By city

  • Copenhagen: Easiest. Many GPs in central Copenhagen, Østerbro, Frederiksberg, and Nordhavn speak excellent English. The international population in these areas means clinics are accustomed to non-Danish speakers.
  • Aarhus: Good availability, especially near the university. Ask in Aarhus-specific expat groups.
  • Odense: Moderate. Fewer options but university area GPs tend to speak English.
  • Smaller cities/rural: More challenging. You may need to travel to a larger city or accept a GP who speaks basic English with occasional help from Google Translate for medical terms.

Specialists

You need a GP referral to see a specialist (under Group 1). Most specialists in major hospitals and clinics speak English — medical education in Denmark is heavily English-influenced. For private specialists, check their website or call ahead. When your GP makes the referral, ask them to note that you prefer an English-speaking specialist.

Mental health in English

Finding English-speaking psychologists and therapists is important for many internationals. Options:

  • With GP referral: Your GP can refer you to a psychologist. Ask specifically for one who works in English. The public subsidy reduces the cost to ~300–500 DKK per session (for eligible conditions).
  • Without referral (private): Many private psychologists in Copenhagen offer English sessions. Expect 800–1,400 DKK per session without subsidy. Directories: psykologeridanmark.dk (filter by language).
  • Online therapy: Platforms like BetterHelp and others serve Denmark in English.

Emergency care in English

You do not need to worry about language in emergencies:

  • 112: English operators available.
  • 1813 (medical helpline): English-speaking staff available.
  • Hospitals: Emergency departments handle English routinely. Denmark’s hospitals see international patients regularly.

Private clinics

Private health clinics (like those covered by employer insurance) almost universally offer English services. They cater to an international clientele. Examples in Copenhagen: Aleris, Capio, Hamlet. These are not free — you need private insurance or pay out of pocket.

Common problems

My GP speaks limited English and I need to discuss something complex

Options: bring a Danish-speaking friend to translate, use Google Translate on your phone (many Danes do this even for native speakers when medical terminology is involved), or change to an English-speaking GP through sundhed.dk.

No English-speaking GPs near me are accepting patients

Popular English-speaking GPs in Copenhagen often have full patient lists. Check sundhed.dk periodically — spots open up. You can also register with a GP slightly further away; there’s no strict geographic restriction.

Questions and answers

Can I request an interpreter?

In theory, municipalities can provide interpreter services for medical appointments. In practice, this is mostly for languages other than English (Arabic, Somali, etc.). For English, the assumption is that the doctor speaks it. If not, change your GP.

Are prescriptions in English?

Prescription information in the pharmacy system is in Danish, but pharmacists in Copenhagen typically speak English and can explain everything. The medication packaging may be in Danish — ask your pharmacist to clarify dosage instructions.

Do dentists speak English?

Many do, especially in Copenhagen. See the English-speaking dentists guide.

Sources

  1. sundhed.dk — GP directory.
  2. Psykologer i Danmark — psychologist directory with language filter.